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ACC Football: Every team’s most important newcomers for 2021

By Dante Pryor

Dabo Swinney, Clemson football (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
Dabo Swinney, Clemson football (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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SYRACUSE, NY – SEPTEMBER 28: Head coach Dino Babers of the Syracuse Orange leads his team out of the tunnel before the game against the Holy Cross Crusaders at the Carrier Dome on September 28, 2019, in Syracuse, New York. Syracuse defeats Holy Cross 41-3. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
SYRACUSE, NY – SEPTEMBER 28: Head coach Dino Babers of the Syracuse Orange leads his team out of the tunnel before the game against the Holy Cross Crusaders at the Carrier Dome on September 28, 2019, in Syracuse, New York. Syracuse defeats Holy Cross 41-3. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

Syracuse Orange (1-10)

Syracuse’s issues last season were a perfect storm of COVID-19, injuries, and players who were not ready to play. However, if there was a silver lining for the Orange, JaCobian Morgan looks like the right quarterback for head coach Dino Babers’ system.

The offensive line is one of the critical places Syracuse needs to improve. Unfortunately, it is unlikely they’ll have the same injury issues as last season. Also, with Andre Cisco, Ifeatu Melifonwu, and Trill Williams departing to the NFL, they’ll need help in the secondary.

Here are three players that could help those issues and see playing time next season.

  • Willie Tyler (transfer), OG: Willie Tyler, a transfer from Texas, looks the part at 6-foot-7 and 330 pounds. Tyler gives the Orange size and athleticism in the trenches, something the Orange have not had in a long time. Also, Tyler has three years of eligibility after graduating this May. That gives the developmental players some time to get ready to play. The offensive line is the key to Syracuse’s success, and Tyler certainly helps in that area.
  • Duce Chestnut, DB: Chestnut is Syracuse’s highest-rated high school prospect this cycle. Since Syracuse lost three key members of last season’s secondary, Chesnut has the chance to challenge for snaps this fall. Chestnut has good instincts and a nose for the ball. Chesnut gets nosy in the run game and is a sure tackler. The New Jersey native is versatile enough to play safety. Expect Chestnut to at least cover the slot if not play the boundary this fall.
  • Landon Morris, TE: The Fishers High School product is slightly at 215 pounds but is in the mold of the modern tight end. Morris can line up in the slot or out wide. Morris is a natural athlete with big strong hands. Morris played wide receiver in high school, and either needs to add weight to be a tight end or improve speed to be a college-wide receiver. However, at 6-foot-5, Morris could be an instant red-zone threat.
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